About Us
Welcome and Mission
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Harford Day School! We look forward to meeting you and sharing the unique opportunities awaiting your child and family in our school community.
At Harford Day School, we offer your children a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, character and leadership development, foreign language, exposure to the arts, and interscholastic athletics.
Founded in 1957, Harford Day School is the only independent, age 3 to Grade 8, AIMS accredited school in Harford County. At Harford Day, you will discover a profound commitment to lifelong learning, hands-on experiences, individualized attention, and a caring, inclusive community.
We believe that the foundational years, age 3 through Grade 8, are essential to developing the skills needed for academic success in high school and beyond. HDS graduates are consistently among the top selections at outstanding high schools in the Baltimore metro area. Further, we believe that an age 3 to Grade 8 education offers our students a unique opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. At an age when many adolescents may simply be moving on to the next grade, our Middle School students are the leaders of our school, representing their peers on Student Council, organizing activities with their Lower School "buddies," acting as captains on athletic teams, planning the popular Field Day for younger children, and much more.
Your child will be taught by highly qualified teachers who are eager to get to know you and your family personally. Our faculty have a vested interest in the implementation of curricula and programs, and the talent to supplement with creativity, challenge and joy. We do not teach to a test, nor is our academic calendar constrained by Maryland state standardized testing requirements. Most importantly, your child will participate in a dynamic, comprehensive educational experience - one that is focused upon interactive learning and cultivates each student’s intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and creative qualities.
Driven by the mission upon which the School was founded, a Harford Day education provides a gift meant to enrich the mind, body, and spirit of students; its benefits are evident not only while in elementary and middle school, but for years to come.
The best way to learn about our programs is to visit and see Harford County’s preeminent Age 3 through Grade 8 academic environment for yourself. Plan your visit today to see how we Make Every Day Count!
Best wishes,
Susan Bond Kearney
Head of School
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The Harford Day Mission
At Harford Day School, learning is a joyful process rooted in respectful relationships, strong traditions, and an innovative program that fosters confidence, imagination, curiosity, and engagement with the world.
Approved by the HDS Board of Trustees
January 25, 2022 -
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Diversity is an indispensable component of educational excellence. Harford Day School expects all community members to honor the dignity and worth in each of us through our words and deeds. We hold ourselves accountable to the consistent demonstration of respect, without regard to race, ethnicity, age, national origin, culture, religion, family structure, sexual identity, financial resources, or ability.We aspire to make all in our community feel valued. Therefore,- We commit to respecting human diversity, and diversity of ideas, thoughts, and perspectives.
- We commit to creating a culturally responsive curriculum that understands, accepts, and celebrates cultural diversity.
- We commit to continuously re-evaluating our curricula, decision-making, policies, and practices to ensure they are inclusive.
- We commit to further diversifying our student body, faculty, administration, and board to reflect that of our school community and the changing demographics of our country.
Endorsed unanimously by the HDS Board of Trustees, November 18, 2020 -
Harford Day School Statement of Values
At Harford Day School, we value:Empathy. We believe that understanding and respecting one another are essential to our shared future.Perseverance. We believe that hard work and personal responsibility are necessary to progress in every realm of our lives.Integrity. We believe that speaking and acting with principle are the most powerful means through which we all may thrive.Community. We believe that the connections among us provide wisdom and strength.
Growth. We believe that our ongoing growth as individuals fulfills an obligation to ourselves and to each other. -
School Philosophy
Our students are expected to take an active role in their learning in order to achieve the hallmark of a Harford Day education, the mastery of fundamental skills and acquisition of core knowledge. By taking their academic responsibilities seriously, students of average to gifted ability can meet with success. Grouped in a variety of ways, and in various class sizes, our students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and to work at the edge of their comfort level in a supportive environment. Our students learn independently, collaboratively, and experientially, both on campus and on field trips. Developing healthy minds and healthy bodies is an important aspect of our program. Every effort is made to ensure each of our student's participation in extra-curricular activities (sports teams, drama, chorus, etc.). Additionally, our students are expected to make contributions to and be good citizens of both the school and the larger community.
Harford Day is the only PK3 to Grade 8 independent school in Harford County accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland/DC Schools) and a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
Non-discrimination Statement
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.
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